Chapter 46
A s much as Alex called me a softie for buying Abigail an engagement ring when we’re already married, it felt long overdue. Arranged marriages often come without engagement rings, and while Abigail has never voiced a desire for one, I can’t imagine her being content without it.
I’m a lucky bastard to call her my wife, and I’ll be damned if I don’t claim her in every conceivable way. Hell, if she wanted another wedding, I’d do it in a heartbeat—with all the newly vetted and cleaned-up Clan there to witness it this time.
Love may be a dangerous thing in this life. I used to scoff at Owen and Cora for wearing their hearts so plainly, but I wouldn’t trade Abigail or the love I hold for her for anything. I’ll spend every day making sure she never doubts how much I treasure her.
“Are you sure this is okay?” Her voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to see her in a sage-green silk dress that does little to hide her curves or the way her nipples pebble beneath the fabric. Heat rises in my chest as I consider peeling that dress off with my teeth later.
Maybe I’ll just bend her over the balcony, shove the dress around her waist, and fuck her for the elements to see.
“You look perfect, Princess. Come here.” I crook my fingers at her, and when she steps closer, I pull her into a searing kiss. She whimpers, holding onto my shoulders to keep me where she wants me.
If we weren’t on a deadline, I’d kiss her all night long, but the sun waits for no one, and tonight’s my last chance to do this here. Reluctantly, I pull back, press a kiss to her forehead, and step away, holding my hand out for her.
“Any chance you can tell me where we’re going now? There’s only one restaurant on this island, and it’s in the opposite direction,” she quips, looking up at me through her lashes, as if that look could coax the answer out of me. For any other secret, it just might, but seeing her reaction to what I’ve planned is worth keeping quiet.
“Just trust me. Can you do that? You’ll find out in a second.” I lead her towards the far edge of the beach. While she showered earlier, I slipped out to make sure everything was in place. As we round the corner and the small crowd comes into view, her hand tightens in mine, and she gasps in awe.
“Lo...what…” she trails off, her wide eyes lifting to meet mine. The shock and delight on her face are everything I’d hoped for.
Getting Cora, Lily, and her parents out here was no easy feat. Adding our pets, the girls from the compound, Owen, Matt, and the Finlay brothers made it damn near impossible. But it was worth every second.
I tug her along to where everyone is gathered behind a floral archway the girls imported and set up. Once we reach it, I offer the crowd a quick smile before turning my full focus on Abigail. Tears brim in her eyes as she blinks rapidly, trying to take it all in. Dropping to one knee, I pull the box from my pocket, the one that’s been burning a hole there all day.
“Abigail Graham, you truly are the light of my life. Every day with you has been a gift, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. But doing so without giving you this moment felt like a crime. I love you, Princess.” I open the box, revealing the sparkling band, and watch as her tears spill over.
“I never knew I could love someone as much as I love you. I didn’t think it was possible to hold so much love for one person,” she says through a shaky exhale before dropping to her knees and launching herself into my arms.
Cheers and laughter erupt around us as I kiss her gently, brushing away her tears before pulling back. “You didn’t even look at the ring. What if it’s ugly?” I tease.
“Says the man with more impeccable taste than me.” She grins and reaches for the ring. Her fingers brush against something else in the box, and her green eyes widen as she pulls out a set of keys. Thousands of questions dance in her gaze as she looks at me.
“These are the keys to make your dreams come true if you want them to.” I explain, helping her to her feet. Sliding her wedding band off briefly, I slip the engagement ring onto her finger and then place the band back where it belongs.
“I don’t understand.”
“It’s for your cat café. Or, if you prefer, you can use it as a base to volunteer or plan events. It’s yours to do with as you wish.” I shrug, pulling her into my side and pressing a kiss to the crown of her head.
“Looks like you’ve got him wrapped around your finger already, Abbie girl,” her dad jokes, pulling her into a hug. Laughing, I head to the drinks station and grab us each a glass of wine. When I return, Abigail is sandwiched between her parents, her face lit with blissful joy. I press the glass into her hand and leave her to it, seeking out Owen.
As much as tonight is about Abigail, business never rests. With Helen’s reappearance stirring up fresh questions, it’s a good time to strategize while the girls gush and Abigail dreams of her new store.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
And later, when a wine-drunk Abigail lets me fuck her over the balcony? Yeah, I wouldn’t trade that for anything either.